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Air King Orange Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King With Custom Orange Dial 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King With Custom Orange Dial 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King With Custom Orange Dial 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X 34mm ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Orange Dial Late 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Orange Dial Late 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Orange Dial Late 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

Versatile at its core, this custom orange dial Air King is sure to make you stand out at any event and for all occasions.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X 35mm Di...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 60's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamete...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King/ Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960s
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960s

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34m...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s
Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s

Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: Mid 1970's DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEME...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s
Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s

Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Comany STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Win...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s
Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s

Rolex Air King with Custom Orange Dial, circa 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Comany STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: Mid 1970's DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom made pumpkin orange dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diame...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diame...

Category

Vintage 1970s European Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diame...

Category

Vintage 1970s European Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diame...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual  Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual  Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King/ Ref. 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual (Aut...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King/ Ref. 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual (Aut...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34m...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom made pumpkin orange dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air King Orange Dial Wrist Watch
Rolex Air King Orange Dial Wrist Watch

Rolex Air King Orange Dial Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Solvang, CA

Vintage Rolex Air King orange dial wrist watch, circa 1969-70.

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

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Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet

By Patek Philippe

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 4217-10 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Widt...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Markers 1960 / 70
Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Markers 1960 / 70

Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Markers 1960 / 70

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960-70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M
Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M

Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M

By Chanel

Located in PARIS, FR

Chanel Mademoiselle model watch, square yellow gold case, quartz movement, white background with Roman numeral indexes, crown with a small half pearl, yellow gold and pearl bracelet,...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Oystersteel Green Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Oystersteel Green Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Oystersteel Green Dial

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The watch is brand new comes with full set with box and warranty card. The watch does not come with the white serial tag or the bezel protector. The stickers were removed at the time...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

DISCONTINUED RARE, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300, 41 MM
DISCONTINUED RARE, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300, 41 MM

DISCONTINUED RARE, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300, 41 MM

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Coral Red Dial 124300 2021 is in overall excellent pre-owned condition. Comes with new card. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 reference 124300 with “Cora...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Coral, Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch

Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's

By Patek Philippe

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3490-2 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 26mm X 26mm ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's

Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner (No Date) 14060
Rolex Submariner (No Date) 14060

Rolex Submariner (No Date) 14060

$9,700Sale Price|20% Off

Dm 1.58 in

Rolex Submariner (No Date) 14060

By Rolex

Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA

BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner REFERENCE: 14060 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition No box or papers ...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 124300
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 124300

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 124300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Aftermarket custom dial. Box and papers. Unworn condition. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Get Updated with New Arrivals
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Air King Orange Dial For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact air king orange dial you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Stainless Steel and Steel, this item was constructed with great care. Finding the perfect air king orange dial may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. Most of our air king orange dial for sale are for men, but there are 9 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Air King Orange Dial?

On average, an air king orange dial at 1stDibs sells for $5,000, while they’re typically $4,500 on the low end and $5,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.